We’re pretty picky here at S&F specifically with the men we date, the friends we keep, and the people we choose to feature on our blog. But like many of the other amazingly talented Iranian Americans doing big things– Ashley Momtaheni is truly one of a kind. There aren’t a lot of people out there who are wildly successful, but manage to stay incredibly sweet, easy to talk to, and truly courageous.

I walked away from this interview feeling like I had actually learned something– just hearing about the lessons that Ashley’s learned through her experiences and her accomplishments is jaw dropping. I literally hung up the phone with her and felt a sudden urge to go save the world (I obviously didn’t, but you get what I’m saying). The best part? Ashley got one step closer to her dream job after our interview with a new position at Warner Brothers and S&F couldn’t be happier for her. We wish Ashley all the best and hope that you joonies walk away from this interview as awestruck as I was.

xo,

Farrah

ASHLEY MOMTAHENI: RISK TAKER. HALFIE. JOONMAGNET

To the right

– Tell me about yourself…

I was born and raised in New York. I grew up in a town called Scarsdale, which is 25 minutes outside of Manhattan. I’m a halfie- my father is Persian and my mom is actually this 5 foot 10 blonde hair, blue eyed “glamazon” woman. I have a brother who’s five years older.

The experience I had growing up partially in Manhattan opened my eyes and allowed me to learn about the Iranian culture in a different way.

I grew up very close with my father’s side of the family. Most of our relatives- his siblings- have moved to the U.S. since the Revolution. They’re scattered between Florida, DC, Virginia and New York. I always had a strong connection with that side of my family and then this extended family that consisted of people my father knew when he was growing up in Iran. They came here together to study and work– they’ve been like aunts, uncles, and cousins — I grew up with their kids.

I learned about my Iranian culture through this extended family, as well as my family on the East Coast.

Although, I didn’t grow up in a fully Persian household — I was still immersed in the culture. My mother can cook Persian food better than my dad can. It was awesome to see my mother adapt to the culture.